NCC picnic about 'community'

The annual picnic meeting of the Northland Community Council puts the emphasis on the "community" in the organization's title, according to projects and events committee chairwoman Roseann Hicks.

KEVIN PARKS, ThisWeek Community News

The annual picnic meeting of the Northland Community Council puts the emphasis on the "community" in the organization's title, according to projects and events committee chairwoman Roseann Hicks.

The gatherings, which involve just a little business and a lot of socializing, take place the second Tuesday in August, as opposed to the normal first Tuesday of the month, in order not to interfere with National Night Out activities in Northland neighborhoods.

This year's picnic on Aug. 14 will start at 6 p.m. and involves a change of venue. After several years of being held in the Sycamore Shelter House at Blendon Woods Metro Park, the site shifts to the Northland Swim Club, 5600 Almont Drive in the Karmel Woodward Park neighborhood.

That, too, dovetails nicely with what the NCC is all about, Hicks indicated.

"Is it something we have to do every year?" she asked. "No. But I think this is a way to reach out and support one of the organizations in the area. We're a member organization and we wouldn't be there if it wasn't for the associations.

"I think it really emphasizes what the Northland Community Council is there for," Hicks added. "Yes, we're a civic organization and a service to the community to bridge the gap between the community and local government, but we are also there to make people feel that sense of community."

Although renting the swimming facility for the evening took a slightly larger bite out of the NCC budget, Hicks has said supporting a nonprofit operation such as the swim club is more important than saving a few dollars.

"The event is open to everyone, so bring your families and friends," she wrote in an email sent to all council members. "NCC will provide the meat, buns, beverages and tableware. You just need to bring a side dish or dessert large enough to share.

"The event also includes free use of the pool and even though there will be lifeguards on duty, please plan to keep an extra close eye on children as there will be a lot of people in attendance," she wrote.

Basketball and volleyball are also available on the grounds of the Northland Swim Club, Karmel Woodward Park president William Logan said.

At the July 10 NCC session, president Emmanuel J. Remy encouraged representatives of civic associations to promote the picnic gathering to members. He said if the council had to purchase additional food to handle the attendance, "that's a great problem to have."

Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to the Northland Community Council Picnic and Family Fun Night page on Facebook. That address is http://www.facebook.com/events/443869925637880/.

"It's definitely a different type of event," Hicks said. "It's more laid back. It's less formal. It's more family-friendly.

"Our hope is that more of the community comes out," she said. "Not only are they going to get a dose of what we do every month and why we do it, but they're not going to get saturated with it."

In an email late last month, Hicks issued a plea for some assistance in pulling off the picnic gathering. The needs include two "grill attendants," as well as volunteers to assist with setting things up and cleaning up afterward, as well as some willing to pick up soda and water to be placed on ice prior to the meeting.

Those willing to help should email Hicks at integragsgirl@hotmail.com or call her at 614-402-1968.